Gambling is the act of wagering on the outcome of an event. The thrill of risk-taking sometimes becomes an addiction. Like all addictions, it takes a toll on the addict's family. An addicted gambler often consistently places his need to wager above the needs and wants of his loved ones. There are several ways for concerned family members to help a gambling addict get treatment.
About Compulsive Gambling
Compulsive gambling, also called problem gambling or a gambling addiction, is a form of mental illness. It is an impulse control disorder. Gambling addicts cannot control the urge to gamble whenever the opportunity presents itself, despite knowing the negative impact gambling has on their lives. Gambling addictions can lead to debt, divorce, alienation from family and friends, job loss, depression and suicide. The Minnesota Department of Human Services reports that about 2 million Americans are pathological gamblers.
Steps for Families
It is a natural reaction to feel responsible for helping a loved one with an addiction. The first step is to realize that the addict is ultimately responsible for his problem, and he is the only one who can decide to break the addiction. You can help by learning about the addiction and its treatments. Consider joining a peer support group or seeing a therapist to help deal with the conflicting feelings that addict's family members often face.
You must also set a strategy for handling money and dealing with the addict's requests for money. This may include taking control over the family finances. A counselor may be able to help you make these difficult decisions.
Resources for Families
Gam-Anon is a free peer support organization for the families and loved ones of gambling addicts. Gam-Anon works as a support group by bringing together people affected by a gambling addict so they can share experiences and encouragement. Local branches hold scheduled meetings, and several states offer hot lines. Online resources include websites such as Daily Strength that offer discussion forums for anonymous support.
Support for Addicts
In informal support groups, people with addictions meet to talk about their problem, share success stories and support one another. Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step program modeled after the one used by Alcoholics Anonymous. The organization's website includes a page of 20 questions that help a person determine whether he has a gambling problem. Family members of gambling addicts can encourage the problem gambler to assess himself using these questions and consider joining a support group.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one method used to treat addictions, including gambling. Clients meet with a counselor for brief, focused sessions with the goal of helping the addict understand his problem and learn to control the gambling impulse. Concerned family members can meet with a counselor first to discuss ways of helping the gambling addict. The National Council on Problem Gambling operates a directory of certified gambling counselors.
